Tributes are pouring in from across Latin America following the death of Uruguay’s former president, Jose “Pepe” Mujica, who passed away at the age of 89. A revered figure in global politics, Mujica was widely known as the “world’s poorest president” due to his austere lifestyle and devotion to social justice.
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National Mourning Declared in Uruguay
Uruguay’s current president, Yamandu Orsi, announced three days of national mourning. Mujica’s body will lie in state at the legislative palace in Montevideo on Wednesday, where thousands are expected to pay their last respects.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our comrade Pepe Mujica. President, activist, guide and leader. We will miss you greatly,” Orsi posted on X.
Leftist Icon Remembered for Humility and Reform
Mujica served as president from 2010 to 2015 and was admired for donating most of his salary to charity, living on a modest farm with his wife and their three-legged dog. His leadership transformed Uruguay into one of Latin America’s most progressive countries, legalizing gay marriage, abortion, and recreational cannabis use.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum hailed him as “an example for Latin America and the entire world,” while Brazil’s Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva praised his “human greatness” and “song of unity.”
Simple Life, Powerful Impact
Despite being president, Mujica often attended public events in sandals and drove a 1987 Volkswagen Beetle. A lifelong critic of consumerism, he once told AFP, “I am not poor, I live with little because I don’t need much.”
Waiters and locals recalled Mujica as someone who “lived like ordinary people.” His modesty stood in stark contrast to many modern political figures.
From Guerrilla Fighter to Statesman
In the 1960s, Mujica co-founded the Tupamaros, a Marxist guerrilla group. He was shot, arrested, and spent 12 years in prison—many in solitary confinement—during Uruguay’s military dictatorship. After his release in 1985, he helped found the Movement of Popular Participation (MPP), eventually becoming senator, agriculture minister, and then president.
Final Days and Last Wishes
Mujica was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2024, which later spread to his liver. He announced in January 2025 that he would halt treatment and focus on palliative care. His wife, Lucia Topolansky, confirmed he wanted to be buried on his farm next to his beloved dog.
He is survived by Topolansky. The couple had no children.
Image Section
Photo: Banner outside the MPP headquarters reads ‘Hasta siempre, viejo querido’ in honor of Jose Mujica
